SAZ Travel Collection
Booking Policy
Clear, fair, and transparent. Our booking policies are designed to protect both our clients and our ability to deliver exceptional journeys.
Last updated: January 2025
Important Notice
By confirming a booking with SAZ Travel Collection, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these policies. We encourage all clients to read this document carefully and contact their concierge with any questions before making a booking.
1. Reservations & Booking Confirmation
How to Reserve
All reservations are initiated through a formal inquiry submitted via our website, email, or directly with your SAZ Travel Concierge. A booking is not confirmed until SAZ Travel Collection issues a written Booking Confirmation and the required deposit has been received.
Booking Confirmation
Upon receipt of your deposit, you will receive a detailed Booking Confirmation outlining your itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and total trip cost. Please review this document carefully and notify us of any discrepancies within 48 hours of receipt.
Accuracy of Information
You are responsible for ensuring that all traveler names, passport details, dietary requirements, and special requests provided to SAZ Travel Collection are accurate and complete. SAZ Travel Collection is not liable for any loss or additional costs arising from incorrect information supplied by the client.
2. Payment Terms & Schedule
Deposit Requirements
A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. For peak season travel (June - October for Africa; December - January for international destinations), a deposit of 30% may be required.
Final Payment
The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days prior to the departure date. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Accepted Payment Methods
SAZ Travel Collection accepts payment via bank wire transfer, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and ACH transfer. A processing fee of 2.9% applies to all credit card payments. We do not accept cash payments.
Late Payment
If final payment is not received by the due date, SAZ Travel Collection reserves the right to cancel the booking without refund of the deposit and to release all reserved services.
3. Cancellation Policy
Client-Initiated Cancellations
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to your SAZ Travel Concierge. The following cancellation fees apply based on the number of days prior to departure:
Cancellation Fee Schedule
120+ days before departure: Loss of deposit only. 91-119 days: 30% of total trip cost. 61-90 days: 50% of total trip cost. 31-60 days: 75% of total trip cost. 0-30 days: 100% of total trip cost (no refund).
Non-Refundable Components
Certain components - including but not limited to international airfare, private charter flights, gorilla permits, and special event tickets - are non-refundable regardless of when the cancellation is made. These will be clearly noted in your Booking Confirmation.
No-Shows
Failure to arrive for any service without prior written notice constitutes a no-show and forfeits 100% of the cost of that service. No refunds or credits will be issued.
4. Changes & Amendments
Client-Requested Changes
We understand plans can evolve. SAZ Travel Collection will make every effort to accommodate changes to your itinerary. Requests for changes must be submitted in writing. An amendment fee of $150 USD per change may apply, in addition to any supplier costs incurred.
Date Changes
Date changes requested more than 90 days before departure will be treated as an amendment where possible. Date changes within 90 days of departure may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking, subject to availability and the cancellation fee schedule above.
Itinerary Changes by SAZ Travel Collection
In rare circumstances, SAZ Travel Collection or our supplier partners may need to modify an itinerary due to factors outside our control (weather, political events, natural disasters, supplier closures). We will notify you promptly and offer a comparable alternative or, where no alternative is available, a partial credit.
5. Travel Insurance
Insurance Is Required
SAZ Travel Collection strongly requires all clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. Your policy must cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical evacuation, emergency medical expenses, and baggage loss.
Recommended Coverage Levels
For African safari travel, we recommend a minimum of $100,000 USD in emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Medical evacuation from remote safari locations can cost $50,000-$150,000 USD and is not covered by most standard health insurance plans.
SAZ Travel Collection Is Not an Insurer
SAZ Travel Collection does not sell travel insurance and is not responsible for any losses that would have been covered by appropriate travel insurance. We can recommend reputable providers upon request.
6. Limitation of Liability
Third-Party Suppliers
SAZ Travel Collection acts as an agent for airlines, hotels, lodges, cruise lines, ground operators, and other suppliers. We are not responsible for the acts, omissions, or defaults of these third-party suppliers. All services provided by third parties are subject to those suppliers' own terms and conditions.
Force Majeure
SAZ Travel Collection is not liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, civil unrest, terrorism, pandemic, government actions, or extreme weather events. In such cases, we will work in good faith to offer alternatives or credits where possible.
Health & Safety
You are responsible for ensuring you are medically fit to travel and have received all required or recommended vaccinations for your destination. SAZ Travel Collection strongly recommends consulting a travel medicine clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Maximum Liability
In the event that SAZ Travel Collection is found liable for any claim, our maximum liability is limited to the total amount paid by the client for the affected service. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.
7. Traveler Conduct
Responsible Travel
All clients are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of local cultures, wildlife, and environments. SAZ Travel Collection reserves the right to terminate a trip without refund if a client's behavior endangers themselves, other travelers, guides, or wildlife.
Wildlife Guidelines
Clients must follow all instructions given by guides and rangers regarding wildlife interaction. Approaching wildlife outside of designated vehicles or areas is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate removal from the safari at the client's expense.
8. Questions & Dispute Resolution
Contact Us First
If you have any concerns regarding your booking, please contact your SAZ Travel Concierge directly. We are committed to resolving all issues promptly and fairly. Most concerns can be resolved through direct communication.
Governing Law
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Oregon, USA. Any disputes not resolved through direct negotiation will be subject to binding arbitration in Portland, Oregon.
Policy Updates
SAZ Travel Collection reserves the right to update these policies at any time. The version in effect at the time of your booking confirmation applies to your reservation.
At a Glance
Deposit
25% at booking
Final Payment
90 days before departure
Free Cancellation
120+ days out (deposit retained)
Insurance
Required for all bookings
Amendment Fee
$150 per change
Governing Law
State of Oregon, USA
Questions About Our Policies?
Our concierge team is happy to walk you through any aspect of our booking process. We believe in complete transparency - no surprises, ever.